Trump Hints at Easing Russia Sanctions, Calling It 'Good Decision for US and World'

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing controversy after hinting that there will be a decision beneficial to the world regarding sanctions against Russia.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on the 17th (local time) regarding Russian sanctions, President Trump said, "Many of you don't know what my decision is yet, but we're going to find out and you'll find out."

"It's a very good decision," he added. "It's going to be a good decision for the United States, and I think it's going to be good for the world because we are truly on the world stage."

The Trump administration is renewing its efforts to mediate peace talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Local media reports suggest that the Trump administration is attempting to break the deadlock in the peace negotiations by using the easing of anti-Russia sanctions—such as the resumption of European imports of Russian natural gas—as a catalyst.

Earlier, The New York Times reported that White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, mentioned during a meeting in Florida earlier this month with Ukrainian and European officials that European purchases of Russian gas could be included in a peace agreement.

The European delegations in attendance were shocked by this proposal put forward by the U.S. side, the newspaper reported.

The outlet noted that the proposal "could reverse years of U.S. energy policy" and "would provide an economic windfall for Moscow while reviving Russian leverage over Europe."

The resumption of European energy imports from Russia has sparked controversy as it could help Moscow secure the financial resources needed to sustain its war against Ukraine.

President Trump decided the previous day to suspend the enforcement of anti-Russia sanction legislation, the so-called Graham Act, which imposes high tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy under the guise of national security.

This is widely interpreted as a measure aligned with the initiative to increase imports of Russian diesel.

If the Graham Act is implemented as originally drafted, the supply of Russian diesel envisioned by President Trump would be difficult to realize.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Trump plans to review the details of the Graham Act over the next 60 days.

Secretary Rubio told reporters on this day, "The president will use this 60-day period to analyze how imposing both sanctions and tariffs would impact the global and U.S. economies."

Reuters noted that the Graham Act complicates matters further because it not only sanctions Russia but also mandates tariffs on products from countries that import Russian energy.

For instance, India, a crucial economic partner of the U.S., relies heavily on Russian oil, meaning the Graham Act could trigger friction between the two nations if the U.S. imposes tariffs on India.

Ahead of the midterm elections in November, the Trump administration is attempting to lower domestic fuel prices by increasing the supply of Russian diesel.

With energy prices soaring due to disruptions in global oil supplies caused by the war with Iran that began in February of this year, Trump has faced immense pressure ahead of the elections.

However, the moves to slacken the grip of sanctions have drawn criticism not only from the opposition Democratic Party but also from the ruling Republican Party, with critics calling it an irresponsible act of capitulation to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized the U.S. decision to ease sanctions, saying it would embolden Russia and escalate the war.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.